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Over the past twelve months Golding Homes’ Community Chest Fund has come into its own in providing additional support to meet the challenges of the Coronavirus pandemic. From this fund a dedicated pot, the Covid-19 Response Fund has awarded more than £58,000 to projects and initiatives supporting local individuals and families across Kent. 

Around forty organisations including charities churches, schools and clubs have been granted up to £2,000 to use in a range of projects that have directly helped those in their local community.   

Sue Chalkley, Interim Chief Executive Officer at Golding Homes said: “We know it has been a difficult time for so many in our communities throughout the year. From the very beginning we wanted to make sure that we could support everyone in the most effective way possible. The Covid-19 fund initiative has enabled us to work with community partners to target help where it is most needed, and we are delighted at the difference this has made to so many people.” 

Greenfields Community Primary School is one of several local schools to be awarded a grant and like many they used the funds for IT equipment. Greenfield received £2,000 and bought 8 iPads for students to use. Head teacher, Daniel Andrews said: “We have used the iPads to ensure all children were able to access the home learning during periods of lockdown.  This has resulted in children not falling behind the other children in their class, which has in turn helped their transition back into school.   

He continued: “The iPads are now used to support teaching and learning in school but are ready to be used if we need to have another period where children are unable to attend face to face lessons.  Thank you for your kind support, it really does mean so much!” 

Others receiving funds included St Martins Church. A grant of £2,000 helped launch their ‘Grab and Go Meals’ initiative in Shepway to help feed families and individuals in difficulty dues to losing jobs, being furloughed or simply with not enough money to buy food.  

Revd Joyce Addison said: Thanks to funding from Golding Homes, for a period of fifteen weeks, we were able to provide an average of 50 free meals to individuals, couples and families.  It was such a privilege helping the neighbourhood during lockdown like this, a time when many had lost their jobs or had become furloughed.” 

Revd Addison continued: “Along the way people have told us their stories one of which stands out in my mind, "We usually buy supermarket brand cereals but when the kids tasted Kelloggs, they said, "this is real cereal!"  We have also come to know so many new people through Grab and Go. Food draws people together, and this certainly was the case with Grab and Go.” 

Dandelion Time offers help to children with very challenging emotional issues, often resulting from trauma, violence or serious health difficulties in the family. Through a family-based approach Dandelion Time helps the children discuss and explore the difficulties they are facing and enables the wider family to come together to build stronger bonds - creating opportunities for new beginnings and improved relationships. Dandelion Time received £1,600 from our Covid-19 Response Fund. 

A parent supported by Dandelion Time spoke about how working with the organisation has made a difference to her. She said: “Thank you so much for helping me change my life, you’ve made me the person I am today.” 

Maidstone Mencap received £1,500 which was used towards arts and craft supplies and sensory bags to send to local families who use the Centre, as well as money towards extra cleaning supplies that were needed for the Centre. 

Lee Taggart, Fire and Asbestos Compliance Lead at Golding Homes is a local parent whose family has been supported by Maidstone Mencap said: “My daughter Martha has a neurological condition called Angelman Syndrome which means she is non-verbal and has severe developmental delay. Martha attended nursey at Maidstone Mencap. She also attends the summer club. 

“We feel very fortunate to have such a caring organisation such as Maidstone Mencap right on our doorstep and they have made a huge difference, not just to Martha but to our entire family,” he added. 

To find out more about the Community Chest Fund contact the Community Investment team by email at com.inv@goldinghomes.org.uk   

 

Top photo:  Art supplies and contents of sensory bags Maidstone Mencap sent out to local families.